The Los Angeles Dodgers’ hard-throwing reliever Brusdar Graterol made his return from the injured list tonight. In a corresponding move, they put reliever Anthony Banda on the IL with a broken hand.
Anthony Banda broke his left hand. He’s on the IL.
Brusdar Graterol is back.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) September 11, 2024
Details are murky as to how the left-hander sustained the injury. However, Banda had a rare rough outing last night against the Chicago Cubs. He allowed three hits and two earned runs in a 10-4 loss. Banda was acquired in a trade this season from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for cash considerations and has been a pleasant surprise for the Dodgers. The left-hander has a 3.23 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 47 1/3 innings. He and fellow southpaw Alex Vesia have stabilized a weary bullpen.
Brusdar Graterol Returns for Good (Hopefully)
Graterol was scheduled to come off the IL on Wednesday. However, Banda’s unavailability made Graterol’s return imminent. The flame-throwing reliever has missed the majority of the season rehabbing a shoulder injury sustained in spring training. In his August debut, Graterol threw less than ten pitches before straining his hamstring. He was helped off the field.
After that August game, manager Dave Roberts said that the hard-throwing right-hander had suffered a grade three hamstring injury and was probably out for the year. However, the next day, Roberts said the strain was only grade one.
Graterol has made two rehab outings with Triple-A Oklahoma City before being activated tonight. He gave up one run in those appearances. Los Angeles could use a well-rested power arm who throws close to 100 mph as they gear up for the postseason.
Out for the Season?
Unfortunately, it is unknown how much time Banda will miss, or, if he will be available for any portion of the postseason.
One Final Note
Yoshinobu Yamamoto was also activated today and started tonight against the Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers are hoping that this latest injury news is the last they will encounter for a while, but they are probably not holding their breath.
Photo Credit: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
